Jon grew up in East Liverpool and attended college preparatory school at Western Reserve Academy (1956), Dennison University (1960) and the University of Colorado (1962). Jon worked as an investment banker, and in venture capital development for 23 years with McDonald and Company in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as with Hambrecht and Quist in Chicago for several years.

Jon more recently pursued several entrepreneurial projects throughout the nation and was currently with the University of Michigan Development Office in Ann Arbor.

Jon is survived by his wife of 30 years, S. Faye Gerster, and six children; Elizabeth Anne DuPre (Arthur), Jon Bradford Gerster Jr., Laura Anne Kochajda (Joseph), J. P. Gerster, Sarah Anne Bochenek (David) and Fredrick Bradford Gerster (Brittany). He is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren, Alicia Emily DuPre, Jonathan Victor Kochajda, and Addison Grace Gerster. Jon's mother, "Grammy," left this earth on Feb. 20, 2007, at the age of 97.

Jon's love of family, and for the Lord, led him and Faye to establish and lead the First Presbyterian Church Youth Group in Boyne City. He was a patient teacher, amazing father, adored the love of his life, Faye, and was a shining example of God's love and grace. Jon was a light and inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him.Ê He will be very much missed but lives on through his wife, six children, grandchildren, and many close friends.

Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church 401 S. Park St. Boyne City, on Saturday May 5, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Research Fund, Dr. Ken Pienta,Ê University Of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive 7303, CCGC, Ann Arbor, Mich., 48109-0946, or The Boyne City Presbyterian Church Youth Fund, 401 S. Park St. Boyne City, Mich. 49712.